New Phoenix housing complex will cater to autistic adults

A housing project is under construction in Phoenix that will provide affordable homes for seniors and autistic adults.

Called 29 Palms Apartments, the 21-unit complex is going up at 4901 E. Holly St. The Foundation for Senior Living, with First Place AZ and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, are redeveloping an apartment complex to create the unique housing, which will include 15 units for seniors and six for autistic adults.

During the next 15 years, more than 500,000 children with autism disorders will become adults. Now, most adults with autism live with their parents. Autistic adults currently have few options for housing away from their families.

The 29 Palms project is a test site for First Place AZ, which is working on a Phoenix development with supporting housing and apartments for autistic adults. A national study done with SARRC and Urban Land Institute in 2010 looked at models and necessary designs for the first housing projects built specifically for autistic adults.

Denise Resnik, SARRC co-founder, started the nonprofit First Place to develop new innovative residential options for adults with autism and related disorders.

The Arizona Department of Housing, the Arizona Community Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corp., as well as charitable donations, are financing 29 Palms.

Groundbreaking for the first First Place AZ project is planned for next year.